Bright coral peonies are always gorgeous but when set against the rustic backdrop of a glorious old barn, those blooms crafted by Papertini are on a whole new level of pretty. The juxtaposition of bright and rustic planned by Two Little Birds is half the equation and the other half? Super cute couple. See the whole happy celebration captured by Asya Photography with even more in the vault.
From Two Little Birds Planning… Even with impending showers in the forecast, Stephanie and Matt’s warm and fun loving personalities made the rain a distant memory at their May 7, 2016 wedding at Brandywine Manor House in Honey Brook, PA. The color palette of bright spring hues, including hot pink, blush, white, and Kelly green with pops of orange, yellow, and sparkle, were the perfect contrast to the stone and wood of the historic barn and lush greenery of the surrounding grounds.
The day began with the bride and bridesmaids laughing and sipping champagne in the bridal suite while getting their hair and makeup done by Nancy Caroline Bridal Styling. The bride’s natural look was juxtaposed with a smoky eye and bright fuchsia lip. Her hair was pinned back with a sweet halo braid and a few face framing curls.
Stephanie wore a breathtaking strapless Jim Hjelm ball gown with a sweetheart neckline and hand-sewn petal detailing, accented with a beaded crystal sash and Jimmy Choo silver glitter sandals. Her asymmetrical, garden-style bouquet popped with bright peonies, soft David Austen roses, spray roses, colorful ranunculus, sweet peas, and mixed greens. It was hand-tied with intricate lace from her mother’s wedding dress and accented with whimsical velour ribbon streamers. The bridesmaids wore BHLDN’s Coppelia Dress in dusty pink. The groom wore a navy tux and a black bowtie with a hint of shimmer.
Asya Photography was there to capture the beautiful moment of the couple’s intimate first look under the pergola, as well as many other incredible details of the day, including the beautiful gold mirror and frame Etsy signage and personalized wooden ring box. Maggpie Vintage Rentals’ lounge furniture doubled as photo backdrop for the couple and their wedding party before the ceremony.
The gazebo on the patio was beautifully draped with white fabric, and a garland of peonies, roses, ranunculus, tulips, and bright greenery, lending the perfect backdrop for the touching ceremony that was officiated by Rev. Chuck Blair. The aisle was lined with clusters of gold-accented white ceramic passage lanterns that were later used in the centerpieces. Papertini Floral and Event Design are known for organically and perfectly repurposing florals and décor from the ceremony into the reception. In addition to the repurposed lanterns, the bridesmaids’ bouquets were added to centerpieces and the garland was added to the cake table.
Guests were greeted with pre-ceremony beverages of lemonade and water on the patio as they waited for the ceremony to begin. A trio from EBE Rio played “Glasgow Love Theme” for the processional, followed by “I Choose You” by Sara Bareilles for the bride’s entrance. After they said “I Do,” Stephanie and Matt recessed to the fun and upbeat “You Make My Dreams Come True” by Hall & Oates.
Once the ceremony ended, cocktail hour began on the Hearth Patio, which is a beautiful open-air patio under the barn featuring a koi pond and views of the expansive property. Guests relaxed on the gorgeous ivory Charlotte Sofa and Pearson Tuft Chairs from Maggpie Vintage Rentals, and they enjoyed hors d’oeuvres by Sage Catering including bacon-wrapped scallops, wild mushroom tart, petite lamb chop, sugarcane chicken, and lump crab cakes. Since the couple has moved around a lot the last few years for work (Stephanie is a Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Fellow and Matt is a Business Consultant), they used their recent cities of residence as signature cocktail inspiration. The bar featured The Philadelphia (where they met), The Columbus (where they moved next), and The LA (where they live now). Before heading upstairs to the barn for the reception, guests stopped by the escort table to locate their seat and pick up their favor, a handmade mason jar candle and personalized matches.
The reception began with introductions and the couple’s first dance to “Bloom” by Paper Kites. Guests were seated at a mixture of long and round tables with blush linens and gold sequin runners. The tablescapes popped with large white ceramic vases filled with bright pink, orange, white, and yellow florals, white and metal lanterns, bud vases, and mercury votives. Mad Libs, a favorite pastime of the couple, were placed at each guest seat asking silly questions such as circling how many drinks they’ve had and if they traveled via car, plane, or boat.
The first course featured an arugula salad with Parmigiano and sliced granny smith apples tossed in a lemon and white balsamic vinaigrette. Then Stephanie’s two sisters and Matt’s best man gave entertaining and heartfelt speeches about the couple. Guests dined on filet mignon with gratin potatoes and asparagus and Chilean sea bass with Israeli couscous and roasted vegetables. Once dinner concluded, the dance floor opened with parent dances. Stephanie and her father shared a dance to “Just the Way You Are” by Billy Joel. Then Matt and his mother danced to “Make You Feel My Love” by Garth Brooks. Guests danced the night away under twinkling lights and ivy covered chandeliers to the sounds of EBE Rio. The evening ended with a 4-tier cake by Master’s Baker with alternating layers of lemon raspberry cake with raspberry filling and confetti cake with buttercream icing. The horizontal texture buttercream design was complemented with bright cascading florals and a laser cut “love” cake topper, a perfect and sweet ending to Stephanie and Matt’s romantic barn wedding.
Photography: Asya Photography | Floral Design: Papertini | Wedding Dress: Jim Hjelm | Cake: Master's Baker | Stationery: Jonathan Wright And Company | Hair and Makeup: Nancy Caroline Bridal Beauty | Band: EBE Rio | Ceremony and Reception: Brandywine Manor House | Furniture Rental: Maggpie Vintage | Planning: Two Little Birds